While most people are familiar with the dangers of spending too much time in the sun, some feel as though tanning beds are a safe way to gain an attractive tan, and may even think that there are some health benefits to using tanning beds. When deciding whether to tan in a tanning bed, it is important to remember the health risks as well as potential health benefits.
Cancer Risk
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tanning in a tanning bed increases the risk of cancer. Tanning beds have been associated with squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which are skin cancers, as well as ocular melanoma, which is an eye cancer. According to the FDA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers tanning beds carcinogenic to humans, which means that they cause cancer.
Premature Aging
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that using tanning beds can cause a loss of elasticity in the skin, which leads to wrinkling. The UV rays that cause the skin to tan in a tanning bed also can cause eye problems such as cataracts and photoconjunctivitis. Excessive amounts of UV exposure can cause a drop in immunity, making the person more susceptible to becoming ill with infectious diseases.
Sunburn
People with fair skin are likely to burn in a tanning bed, according to the FDA. Also, some people with sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction to the UV radiation and will experience a red, itchy rash. Those with darker skin also can burn and experience skin damage, states the WHO.
Health Benefits
There is a possibility that the use of tanning beds can increase your vitamin D level, according to Women to Women. The WHO, however, states that normal exposure to the sun as well as consuming vitamin D through the diet is preferable. According to the WHO, some people may benefit from the radiation from tanning beds. Those with dermatitis and psoriasis may find relief with medically supervised treatment with UV rays. The organization does not recommend self-treatment at a commercial tanning bed, however.
